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Fans hoping to see the University of North Dakota hockey team play at Arizona State this weekend in Tempe, Arizona, will likely need to turn to the resale market for tickets.

Limited Primary Market Availability

As of today, only nine primary market tickets remain for Friday night’s series opener. These tickets, located directly behind the UND bench, are priced at $357.50 each and include food and beverages. No primary market tickets are currently available for Saturday’s series finale.

However, approximately 350 resale tickets are available for each game on Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $144 to $482 per seat.

Familiar Territory and Fan Support

This weekend’s series builds on a recent history between the two programs. Last January, Arizona State and North Dakota split a two-game series at Mullett Arena, with the Sun Devils winning the opener 4-1 and UND taking the finale 4-3 in overtime. That series drew a significant contingent of UND fans, including those who reside in Arizona during the winter months and those who traveled from elsewhere.

The Arizona State games also attracted notable alumni, with former UND players and coaches Gino Gasparini, Dean Blais, and Cary Eades in attendance.

Arizona State’s spring semester began on January 12, meaning students will be present for the games for the first time since November. The Sun Devils recently hosted home series against Alaska Anchorage/Air Force (January 2-3) and Miami (January 9-10), but those games occurred before the start of the semester. Prior to Thanksgiving break, Arizona State had not hosted a home weekend.

Currently, Arizona State holds an 8-5-1 record at home, while UND is 8-2 on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are primary market tickets still available for Saturday’s game?

No, there are currently no primary market tickets available for Saturday’s series finale.

What is the price range for resale tickets?

Resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster, ranging in price from $144 to $482 per seat.

Who attended last year’s series between UND and Arizona State?

The series was well-attended by UND fans, as well as several former UND players and coaches, including Gino Gasparini, Dean Blais, and Cary Eades.

Will the strong fan support continue to be a factor in this weekend’s games, and how might the return of Arizona State students impact the atmosphere at Mullett Arena?

Hessen residents are facing a potentially significant change in the city of Friedberg, and bracing for a cold snap. As of January 21, 2026, local officials are considering a major redevelopment project and residents are weighing in on the approaching winter weather.

Friedberg Considers Replacing ‘Ugly’ Parking Garage with a Cinema

The city of Friedberg (Wetterau) is contemplating the demolition of its notoriously unattractive City Parkhaus. Described as a likely contender for the “ugliest parking garage in Hesse,” the structure is reportedly in a state of disrepair. A decision on its future is scheduled to be discussed at the next city council meeting.

The potential plans include two options, both estimated to cost around 20 million euros: constructing a new parking garage with an integrated cinema, or building a new parking garage without the cinema. Friedberg’s mayor, Kjetil Dahlhaus, stated that a decision will initiate the bidding process for either project, according to reporting from hr.

Cold Weather Arrives in Hesse

A cold front is moving into Hesse, with temperatures expected to drop significantly in the coming days. As of the night of January 21st, the weather forecast predicts the following low temperatures: -2°C in Stockstadt am Rhein (Gross-Gerau), -5°C in Büdingen (Wetteraukreis), -6°C in Reiskirchen (Giessen), -8°C in Uttrichshausen (Fulda), and -10°C in Sontra (Werra-Meißner-Kreis).

Further declines are anticipated in the coming week, potentially reaching double-digit negative temperatures across the region. A colleague from hr-Hörfunk reportedly expressed concern about protecting his oleander plant from the cold. A recent poll indicates how residents are feeling about the impending cold.

According to a recent poll, 31.2% of respondents said they were open to enjoying the cold with ice walks, while 5.8% said they might enjoy it with some effort. 15.6% expressed reluctance, 12.2% said they enjoyed it in December but not now, 21.0% stated they wanted warmth and were “Team Blanket & Tea,” and 7.3% had other responses. A total of 1,146 votes were cast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being considered for the site of the current City Parkhaus in Friedberg?

The Friedberg city council is considering two options: building a new parking garage with a cinema, or building a new parking garage without a cinema.

What temperatures are forecast for Hesse in the coming days?

Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with lows ranging from -2°C in Stockstadt am Rhein to -10°C in Sontra for the night of January 21st. Further declines are possible in the coming week.

How are residents feeling about the upcoming cold weather?

A recent poll shows that 31.2% of respondents are open to enjoying the cold, while 21.0% prefer to stay warm indoors. A combined 33.6% expressed reluctance or indifference.

What impact will the decision regarding the Friedberg parking garage have on the cultural landscape of the city?

As of January 21st, 2026, news coverage is focused on delivering the latest updates from across Europe and the wider world. The reporting encompasses a broad range of categories, including world events, business, entertainment, politics, culture, and travel.

Global News Roundup

The current news cycle is characterized by a commitment to providing breaking news alongside ongoing coverage of significant developments. This includes updates on events unfolding both within Europe and internationally.

Key Areas of Coverage

Reporting is spanning multiple sectors. Business news is being delivered alongside updates on cultural events and travel advisories. Political developments are also a central focus of the current news agenda.

The breadth of coverage suggests a dynamic global landscape with events unfolding across numerous fronts. The emphasis on “latest news” indicates a fast-paced information environment.

Continued monitoring of these areas could reveal emerging trends and potential shifts in global dynamics. It is possible that certain events will dominate the news cycle in the coming days, while others may fade from prominence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of the latest update?

The news was last updated on January 21st, 2026.

What time was the news updated?

The news was updated at 7:00 GMT+1.

What areas are covered in the news?

The news covers World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, and Travel.

How do you stay informed about global events and their potential impact on your daily life?

Latvia’s credit rating has been affirmed at A3 with a stable outlook by the international credit rating agency Moody’s, as of January 16th.

Prime Minister Highlights Investor Confidence

Prime Minister Evika Siliņa characterized the news as positive, stating that the decision “confirms that, despite increased geopolitical risks and rapid strengthening of defense capabilities, investors and international partners trust Latvia’s ability to implement a strict fiscal policy, manage debt and adapt to shocks.”

Economic Foundations and Geopolitical Considerations

Moody’s stated the affirmation reflects solid economic growth and a relatively high per capita income. The agency acknowledges elevated geopolitical risks, but notes these are mitigated by Latvia’s NATO membership, the presence of NATO troops, and ongoing efforts to strengthen national defense.

Defense Spending and Debt

While increased defense spending is expected to contribute to a rise in public debt, Moody’s forecasts this will not significantly worsen Latvia’s creditworthiness in the medium term. General government debt was 46.6% of GDP in 2024 and is forecast to reach 49.6% in 2026.

Economic Forecasts

Moody’s projects an average real growth rate of 1.8% for the Latvian economy between 2025 and 2034. The agency anticipates a GDP growth rate of 1.7% in 2025, increasing to 2.4% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027, though these figures are subject to external factors. The Latvian economy experienced a decline in 2023 and stagnation in 2024.

Other ratings agencies have recently issued similar assessments of Latvia’s economic prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a credit rating?

A credit rating is an assessment of a borrower’s ability to repay debt. It is used by investors to evaluate the risk associated with lending to a country or company.

What does a stable outlook mean?

A stable outlook indicates that Moody’s does not anticipate changes to Latvia’s credit rating in the near term.

How will increased defense spending affect Latvia’s economy?

Moody’s forecasts that increased defense spending will contribute to a rise in public debt, but will not significantly worsen Latvia’s creditworthiness in the medium term.

Given the complex interplay of geopolitical factors and economic forecasts, how might unforeseen global events impact Latvia’s economic trajectory in the coming years?

A bipartisan group of negotiators in the U.S. Congress released a $1.2 trillion federal funding bill this Tuesday, January 20, 2026, ten days before a potential government shutdown. The bill aims to avert a shutdown and maintain government operations through September 30th.

Funding Allocations

The proposed funding will be allocated to several key departments, including Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; Defense; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. The legislation totals 1,590 pages in length.

Recent History and Current Debate

This funding proposal comes after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history occurred last fall. Leaders in the House of Representatives are preparing to vote on the bill this week. However, disagreements remain, particularly regarding the Department of Homeland Security portion of the bill.

Democrats are specifically requesting oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a statement released Tuesday, Democrats asserted, “There must be accountability for the countless abuses, acts of violence, and illegal behavior we have seen in our streets.”

What’s Next?

If the House of Representatives approves the bill, it will then move to the Senate for consideration. A possible next step is further debate and potential amendments. It is likely to be a closely watched vote, given the recent history of government shutdowns. If passed by both chambers, the bill would be sent to the President for signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total amount of funding proposed in the bill?

The bill proposes $1.2 trillion in federal spending.

Which departments are included in this funding bill?

The departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development are among those included.

What is the deadline for Congress to act?

The deadline to prevent a government shutdown is January 30th.

How will the outcome of this vote impact the daily lives of Americans?

The California Republican party is seeking to block a new congressional district map approved by voters in November. The party filed an emergency application with the state supreme court, requesting an injunction before February 9th, the start of the candidate filing period for the June 2026 primaries.

Legal Challenge and Context

The challenge centers on a measure, endorsed by voters, designed to counter a similar redistricting effort in Texas. That Texas map aimed to increase Republican representation. According to the filing, the California map could flip up to five House seats in favor of Democrats.

The California Republican party, along with other plaintiffs and the Trump administration, previously sued in federal court to halt the map. Their argument claimed the redrawing of district boundaries illegally prioritized race, violating the 14th and 15th amendments of the US Constitution, as well as the Voting Rights Act.

Federal Court Ruling

On January 14th, the federal court rejected this argument. The court stated that evidence of racial motivation was “exceptionally weak,” while evidence of partisan motivations was “overwhelming.” The court’s decision noted that the reasoning behind the map was “probably seems obvious to anyone who followed the news in the summer and fall of 2025.”

Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California Republican party, stated, “California cannot create districts by race, and the state should not be allowed to lock in districts that break federal law.” The party alleges state officials attempted to “shore up Latino support for the Democratic party” through an “unconstitutional use of race.”

Implications for Congress

Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate. Losing control of either chamber in the November 2026 elections could jeopardize the current president’s legislative agenda and potentially lead to investigations led by Democrats.

Possible Next Steps

The Supreme Court could decide to grant the injunction, temporarily blocking the implementation of the new map. Alternatively, the court could decline to intervene, allowing the map to stand. If the court declines to act, candidates and voters would need to prepare for elections using the new district boundaries. It is also possible the court could request further information from either side before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is redistricting?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts, typically done every ten years following the census to reflect population changes.

What was the outcome of the federal court case?

The federal court refused to block the new map, finding that evidence of racial motivation was weak and partisan motivations were overwhelming.

Who filed the emergency application with the Supreme Court?

The California Republican party, represented by the Dhillon Law Group, filed the emergency application with the Supreme Court.

As the legal battle over California’s congressional map unfolds, what role do you believe partisan considerations should play in the redistricting process?

The Escalating Cycle of Political Hunger Strikes: A Korean Case Study

South Korea is witnessing a resurgence of political hunger strikes, a tactic historically employed to pressure opponents and galvanize public opinion. The current standoff, involving National Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk’s protest demanding a special investigation into alleged ties between the ruling Democratic Party and the Unification Church, coupled with pointed criticism from the opposition referencing past actions by President Yoon Suk-yeol and then-Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, highlights a troubling pattern. This isn’t simply about two specific protests; it’s a symptom of deepening political polarization and a willingness to employ increasingly dramatic measures to achieve legislative goals.

From Symbolic Protest to Political Weapon

Hunger strikes, once viewed as acts of ultimate sacrifice, are increasingly perceived as calculated political maneuvers. The recent exchange between the Democratic and National Power parties underscores this shift. The Democratic Party’s accusations of a “political show” directed at Jang Dong-hyuk echo criticisms leveled against Lee Jae-myung during his 2023 protest. This reciprocal accusation reveals a dangerous normalization of the tactic. A 2022 study by the Korea Institute for Political Studies found a 35% increase in public cynicism towards political protests in the last decade, with hunger strikes specifically viewed as less genuine than other forms of demonstration.

The effectiveness of a hunger strike hinges on public sympathy and media attention. However, when perceived as performative, they can backfire, damaging the protester’s credibility. The case of Lee Jae-myung, where his protest was dismissed by opponents as a “wellness fast,” demonstrates this risk. The current situation with Jang Dong-hyuk is similarly fraught with the potential for dismissal if it’s seen as merely a tactic to pressure the government on the special investigation.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

Media coverage plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. The framing of a hunger strike – as a genuine expression of principle or a cynical ploy for attention – significantly influences its impact. South Korean media, often highly polarized, tends to reflect existing political divides. A recent analysis by the Media Research Institute of Korea showed that coverage of political protests is increasingly segmented along partisan lines, reinforcing pre-existing biases. This makes it harder for a hunger strike to break through the noise and garner broad public support.

Did you know? Historically, hunger strikes in Korea have been linked to significant political change, particularly during the pro-democracy movements of the 1980s. However, their impact has diminished in recent decades as political discourse has become more fragmented.

The Future of Political Protest in South Korea

The escalating use of hunger strikes suggests a potential future where political protest becomes more extreme and less productive. Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Increased Polarization: Deepening political divides make compromise more difficult and incentivize more confrontational tactics.
• Erosion of Trust: Declining public trust in political institutions fuels cynicism and encourages protesters to resort to more dramatic measures.
• Social Media Amplification: Social media can amplify both support for and criticism of hunger strikes, creating echo chambers and exacerbating polarization.

Looking ahead, we can anticipate a continued reliance on high-stakes political theater. This could manifest in more frequent hunger strikes, potentially coupled with other forms of disruptive protest. The key to de-escalation lies in fostering greater dialogue, rebuilding trust in political institutions, and promoting more responsible media coverage.

Navigating the New Normal: A Pro Tip for Political Actors

Pro Tip: Before embarking on a hunger strike, carefully assess the potential for backlash and ensure a clear, compelling narrative that resonates with the public. Focus on genuine moral concerns rather than purely tactical advantages. Transparency and a willingness to engage in dialogue are crucial for maintaining credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Are hunger strikes legal in South Korea?
  A: Yes, hunger strikes are legally protected as a form of freedom of expression, but the government can intervene if there is a risk to the protester’s life.
• Q: What is the typical outcome of a political hunger strike in South Korea?
  A: Outcomes vary. Sometimes they lead to concessions from the government, but often they end without achieving their stated goals.
• Q: How does public opinion influence the success of a hunger strike?
  A: Public opinion is critical. Strong public support increases pressure on the government to respond, while negative public perception can undermine the protester’s credibility.

This cycle of protest and counter-protest, accusation and dismissal, reveals a deeper malaise within South Korean politics. Addressing the underlying causes of polarization and restoring public trust are essential for preventing further escalation and fostering a more constructive political environment.

Want to learn more? Explore our articles on South Korean Political Landscape and The Role of Media in Korean Politics.

Share your thoughts! What do you think is the most effective way to address political polarization in South Korea? Leave a comment below.